Revanth Reddy on his shift to Congress and the Rahul Gandhi connection

Recalling a political trajectory that began as an independent and evolved into the Chief Ministership of Telangana, Revanth Reddy credits his alliance with Congress to a shared vision for the nation. He describes his decision to join the party as a response to the shifting power dynamics after state bifurcation.

Editorial·September 28, 2026·reads: 206

Revanth Reddy on his shift to Congress and the Rahul Gandhi connection

Speaking at the "India's Next Chapter" conclave in Delhi, the Chief Minister detailed how his early career was defined by constant opposition to the ruling establishment. After starting as a ZPTC member in 2006 and serving as an independent MLC, he eventually joined the Telugu Desam Party, serving as an MLA from 2009 to 2014. He noted that the Telugu Desam Party eventually lost its relevance in Telangana due to its leadership being rooted in Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy highlighted that his transition to the Congress party in 2017 followed a period of intense confrontation with the BRS government, which resulted in multiple stints in jail. He emphasized that his rapport with national leadership, specifically Rahul Gandhi, Digvijaya Singh, and Jairam Ramesh, was central to his decision. According to Reddy, a 15-minute conversation with Gandhi convinced him that the leader possessed no personal agenda beyond national interest. This shift allowed him to consolidate his political standing, eventually securing an MP seat in 2019 and later leading the state government.